Introduction
Children below the age of 16 (or the end of Year 11) must have either an exemption certificate or a child licence to enable them to perform in the UK. These are issued by the Local Authority where the child resides.
Note: Holding a UK child licence is a legal requirement for any child who will be performing in either Theatre or Broadcast. For broadcast, this means on any platform including websites and if your production is factual/ scripted or observational /unscripted.
UK licences: Applications for child licenses must be made 21 days in advance.
Criteria for a child licence:
- The child is aged between 0-16 (as above)
- Performing in Theatre or Broadcast including photographic stills for modelling
- If you are paying the child for their work or another person or charge admission fees to your performance
- If your performance is taking place on licensed premises for example: Theatres, Hotels or Public Houses
- If the child is to be absent from school (including during school holidays)
- For a child performing more than 4 days in any 6-month period
International Child Licensing:
Children travelling abroad must hold an International Child Licence, issued by Magistrates Courts, whether you are a UK-based production company or international.
If you are bringing a child from abroad and you are a UK-based production company, then you need to license the child through the local authority where your UK production is based.
Applications for International child licences must be made 14 days in advance.
If you’d like us to assist with applying for a child license, please fill out the form below. We’ll get in touch with the process details and pricing tailored to your needs.
Fees are based per application and enquiry
Reach Out
Need help with Child Licensing?
Laura’s your go-to expert! She’s our in-house specialist and knows the ins and outs of everything child licensing-related. If you’ve got a question or need a bit of guidance, just pop your details into the form and she’ll be in touch.
